"Orson Crandall Garthwaite, son of Henry J. and Mercy Crandall Garthwaite, was born Oct. 17, 1843, in the town of Victory, N. Y.; and passed away Aug. 10, 1928, in Milton Junction, Wis., at the age of 84, 9 months and 27 days.
He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1851 and into the township of Milton in the Spring of 1852, where he has made his home ever since with the exception of three years he spent in the service of his country during the civil war.
He was all prepared to enter Milton Academy when, as a young man less that 18 years of age, with his father's consent, he enlisted in Co. K Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. This occurred on Oct. 9, 1861, and he was mustered into service at Treadway Camp, Janesville, Wis., only eight days after, and left for the seat of war Jan. 18, 1862. Although his company was given much guard duty to do they also saw some very severe fighting, notably at the battles of Rickets Bluff, Harrisburg and Fort Donaldson. He was mustered out and received an honorable discharge Nov. 18, 1864.
His religious experience came early in life. He, with a large group of young people, was baptized by Rev. Varnum Hull in 1858, joining the Rock River S.D.B. church. He transferred his membership to the Milton Junction S.D.B. church June 4, 1878, and was a faithful member of that church the rest of his life.
He was married to Susan Emily Pierce, Oct. 17, 1868, who died July 19, 1926. Two children were born, Perry Fred, who died Dec. 2, 1924, and Mercy E. Two brothers of Mrs. Garthwaite lived in the home and seemed like members of the home circle Samuel Pierce and Albert Pierce who passed away five years ago.
Brother Garthwaite was very fond of music and served as chorister in the Rock River Sabbath School and later in Milton Junction church several years.
At the time the Odd Fellows building was built at Milton Junction he was an active member of the organization as Noble Grand, but for some time he has been on the honorary list.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Josephine Saunders of Cozad, Neb., one daughter, three grandsons, three great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Farewell services were conducted from the home at 2:30 and from the church at 3 p.m., Aug. 13, 1928. Services were conducted by Pastor John F. Randolph assisted by Rev. Anton Hatlestad of the M. E. Church. Mrs. E. R. Hull and Mrs. Robert Greene sang: 'Saved By Grace' and 'Asleep in Jesus'. Walter Holliday, chaplain of the local American Legion sang 'The Veteran's Last Song'. Mrs. Edna Shelton played appropriate selections on the organ, including patriotic and military songs. A group of Legion men with the flag assisted as guard, and services at the Milton Junction cemetery were closed with 'Taps' by the bugler.
Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Sam Pierce, Wadena, Minn.; Harlow Garthwaite, Maywood, Ill,; Mrs. Jessie Lanphere and Miss Etta Lanphere, Beloit; Mrs. Fred Johnson, daughter June, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Garthwaite, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Garthwaite, Rockford; Carl Sheldon, Miss Phebe Sheldon, Mr. and Mrs. Pardon Pierce of Albion; Mrs. Alverson, Mrs. Will Tanner, Mr. and Mrs. John Ford, Harry Hurd of Edgerton; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Van Horn and daughter Thelma of Janesville.
